role of calcium channel blockers in methyl mercury-induced neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in adult Albino rats

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on 135 adult albino rats of both sexes to investigate the effect of repeated administration of methyl mercury on brain and kidney and to evaluate the possible protective role of calcium channel blockers. The rats were divided into nine equal groups. The brain and the kidneys were dissected and prepared for a light microscopical examination. The administration of methyl mercury [group VI] resulted in an affection of certain areas of the brain. The cerebellar cortex was mostly affected. The purkinje cells were shrunken with irregular outlines, while many granule cells showed pyknotic nuclei. Certain areas of the cerebral cortex were affected, especially the occipital cortex. The kidney function tests were significantly affected and histologically, both proximal and distal convoluted tubules were severely affected. In group VII and group VIII, there was a slight biochemical and histological improvement. A marked improvement was also observed in group IX. It was concluded that the use of multiple calcium channel blockers could improve neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by methyl mercury